It’s a change of pace today as we head towards Lumbini, an important World Heritage Site in this region and also a good way to break the journey and experience something different, en route to Bardia National Park, further along to the southwest of Nepal. You’ll be picked up this morning for the transfer drive of around 4 ½ to 5 hours. Lumbini is another major attraction and very important site in the Terai region (along with Chitwan National Park). It’s a small town in the Nepal-India border area and has been one of the world’s most important holy sites for the last two thousand years. Lumbini is known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site for the many Buddhist and other pilgrims who visit. Legend says the story of Buddhism began here, more than 2600 years ago when Queen Mayadevi is believed to have stopped here to give birth to her son, Prince Siddhartha, who would later find enlightenment and become Buddha. For visitors, regardless of religion or belief, many find it a wonderfully spiritual and peaceful place, whether exploring the central Mayadevi Temple or the surrounding Sacred Garden or relaxing by the large water feature or seeing the prayer flags gently swaying from the trees. The site is spread over a wide area which includes small monasteries, meditation centres, parks and gardens.
Enjoy a half-day guided tour with your local guide who will share more information about this wonderful site and take you to visit the key areas. Mingle with the pilgrims and monks who come here to meditate and reflect on the Buddha’s teachings as part of their own spiritual journeys. This evening, rest and relax at your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Kasai or similar.
